The 100-year-old Villa Anna is renovated. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Qingdao city in Shandong province is making a concerted effort to create characteristic blocks and 5A-level scenic areas that combine its history and culture with vibrant, fashionable elements. This year, it has launched 31 projects highlighting the protection, renovation and infrastructure of the city's historical urban zone and cruise port area.

As a model for the vitalization of ancient Qingdao, the Dabaodao tourism and leisure block in Shibei district is striving for a fusion of trendy formats and diverse cultural heritage. Covering 670,000 square meters, including 389,000 sq meters of floor space, the block boasts 183 traditional courtyard buildings that encompass Qingdao's most abundant and concentrated historical and cultural resources, serving as a demonstration area for the integration of culture and tourism.

Based on the rich historical and architectural features of the old city area, Dabaodao enriches the industrial formats on themes such as leisure and entertainment, catering, accommodation, shopping, immersive performances and art exhibitions. The block also bolsters the night economy and features a series of exciting cultural tourism experiences, as well as courtyard performances and fashionable activities.

Dabaodao has hosted more than 1,500 activities, including an urban culture and art festival and a seafood and beer festival. The block is continuously expanding cultural experiences, as demonstrated by the establishment of several micro-museums based on traditional courtyard buildings, and the creation and promotion of street fashion trends.

The Dabaodao cultural block. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Zhongshan Road plays a vital role in Qingdao's historical urban area, with more than 180 businesses on the main street. In response to the need to upgrade its power and sewage lines, the city is boosting pipeline reconstruction and road improvement in the Zhongshan Road area, based on the completion of architectural facade renovation in 2022.In addition to expanding sewage line capacity, the upgrade is adding 12 main power lines and comprehensively improving road structure and sidewalks.

Qingdao has also started construction of nine planned projects in the cruise port area, and is renovating and reconstructing 640,000-sq-meters of urban area. The city has completed key projects such as the environmental improvement of Zhonggang Bay and the underground road and infrastructure in the startup area of Jiaozhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, while the Shandong Port Shipping Financial Center has realized structural capping.

Striving to build national 5A-level scenic areas, Qingdao has mapped out a 9.6-square-kilometer cultural and tourist zone, completed the overall planning and six special plans for the 5A-level scenic spots, and built three visitor service centers. The city has also put up more than 400 guide signs and released 20 tourism study routes.